M Yusef Tiansyah, who is 60 years old, was named the oldest graduate at the 129th ITS Graduation Ceremony

ITS Campus, ITS News – M. Yusef Tiansyah’s love for the world of research encouraged him to pursue higher education. This strong determination led this graduate of the Department of Technology Management to complete his master’s studies at the age of 60 years and 7 months and was named the oldest graduate at the 129th Graduation Ceremony of the Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember (ITS), Saturday (20/4).

Being active in the world of research, especially artificial rain, has moved the man known as Yusef to explore its impact on society. He revealed that there is still little research that examines the economic benefits of the technology that has been implemented in Indonesia since 1977. “I need further knowledge from universities to study this,” he said.

Behind the motivation to return to college, there was doubt in Yusef, considering that he was no longer young. However, these doubts disappeared thanks to support from his family and colleagues. One of them is from the Director of Laboratory Management, Research Facilities, and Science and Technology Areas, National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN). So he is determined to continue his master’s studies at the ITS Interdisciplinary School of Management and Technology (SIMT) in 2021.

M Yusef Tiansyah (far right) with his master’s colleagues at the ITS Interdisciplinary School of Management and Technology (SIMT)

Occupying a functional position at BRIN inevitably made it difficult for this man from Jakarta to divide his time between studying and work. Yusef then adheres to the principle of discipline in carrying out all assignments from lecturers. “I don’t like postponing tasks and the overnight system,” stressed the bespectacled man.

Not only internal strength but also help from fellow students is Yusef’s tip for undergoing lectures. He admitted that he often had discussions when he encountered difficulties in assignments or courses. According to him, this helps to dig deeper into understanding.

The knowledge he gained during these two years was then put into a thesis entitled Analysis of the Contribution of Weather Modification Technology to Gross Regional Domestic Product (GRDP) in the Electricity and Drinking Water Sector, Purwakarta Regency, West Java. “It was found that 93.12 percent of the water from artificial rain contributed to Purwakarta Regency’s GRDP,” explained the Associate Engineer at the BRIN Artificial Rain Technical Implementation Unit.

This research is proof of Yusef’s perseverance in pursuing his studies. The man, born in 1963, said that his research could be developed on other variables and linked to other economic sectors. Furthermore, he hopes that the results of his research can become a reference for students and work unit colleagues.

Yusef’s enthusiasm and persistence in pursuing knowledge prove that learning knows no time or age limits. During his master’s education, Yusef found that he was still able to absorb knowledge well, and his analytical skills improved. “There is no such thing as not being able or difficult; the key is being willing to learn and making the best use of your time,” he concluded the message. (ITS Public Relations)

Reporter: Aghnia Tias Salsabila